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These 10 free NC-CDL questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the North Carolina CDL Permit Test blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A power unit has a GVWR of 25,500 lb and actually weighs 26,300 lb. It tows a trailer with a GVWR of 11,500 lb and an actual weight of 9,800 lb; together they actually weigh 36,100 lb. Which CDL class does this combination require?
Correct answer: C - Class A, because the actual combination weight exceeds 26,001 lb and the trailer's GVWR exceeds 10,000 lb
A driver selects 40 mph as a safe downgrade speed before descending in a low gear. Which braking cycle matches the recommended snub-braking method?
Correct answer: A - Brake firmly to about 35 mph, release for roughly 3 seconds, and repeat at 40 mph
At 55 mph, the left front tire blows. The truck pulls left, but the lane ahead is clear. What should the driver do first?
Correct answer: D - Grip the wheel firmly and stay off the brake until control is restored
An unblocked 9-foot machine weighs 8,400 lb. Each available tie-down has a working load limit of 1,500 lb. The aggregate working load limit must equal at least one-half the cargo weight, and at least two tie-downs are required. What is the minimum number of these tie-downs?
Correct answer: B - Three, providing 4,500 lb of aggregate working load limit
A straight truck is coasting too fast through a wet left-hand curve. Although the driver turns left, the truck plows almost straight and the rear does not swing outward. This behavior is most consistent with:
Correct answer: B - Front-wheel skid; ease off braking and straighten the wheels enough to regain traction
During an air-brake inspection on a tractor-semitrailer, the system is fully charged, the engine is off, parking brakes are released, and full service-brake pressure is held after the initial drop. Air pressure falls 3.6 psi in one minute, with no audible leak or other defect. The test result:
Correct answer: D - It passes the standard applied-leakage limit for a combination vehicle
The low-air warning on a dual-air vehicle first activates at 58 psi. Both gauges otherwise respond normally. The correct inspection conclusion is:
Correct answer: A - The warning system fails inspection because it must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi
After a trailer air-line rupture, the trailer reservoirs remain charged and the trailer emergency brakes do not apply, but pressing the tractor brake pedal produces no trailer service braking. The pattern points to failure of:
Correct answer: C - The blue service/control line
After coupling, a tug test holds. Visual inspection shows no gap between the trailer apron and fifth wheel, but the locking jaws are closed around the head of the kingpin rather than its shank. The driver should:
Correct answer: D - Secure the units, uncouple, and repeat the coupling procedure correctly
A tractor-semitrailer must make a tight right turn where motorists often squeeze alongside the trailer. The safest setup is to:
Correct answer: A - Signal early, block a right-side pass, and track the trailer through a slow turn
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